שִׁכֻּלִים (shik.ku.lim)
shik.ku.lim
bereavement
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun shikkulim refers to the state of being bereaved or childless. It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Isaiah 49:20, where it describes the deep sense of loss felt by those who have lost their children. The word captures not just the absence of offspring, but the emotional void and grief that accompanies such a loss.
In its single occurrence, shikkulim is used to express the lament of Zion, who feels abandoned and desolate after the destruction of Jerusalem. The term highlights the profound human pain of bereavement, emphasizing the personal and communal impact of losing one’s children. This usage underscores the weight of such loss in ancient Israelite society, where family continuity was deeply valued.
Though rare, shikkulim provides insight into how biblical writers addressed the trauma of childlessness and bereavement. It serves as a reminder of the emotional depth present in Scripture when confronting suffering, offering a voice to those who experience such losses.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word shikkulim appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, capturing the heavy silence left by bereavement. In Isaiah 49:20, it describes a mother’s lament over lost children, yet the verse also points to a future where that empty space fills with new life. This rare term reminds us that Scripture does not shy away from the raw pain of loss.
When grief feels isolating, this passage offers a voice for your sorrow while holding onto hope. It acknowledges the depth of human suffering without offering quick fixes. Instead, it invites trust in a God who sees the void and promises restoration. You are not forgotten in your pain.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- bereavement<s>/ your1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שִׁכֻּלָ֑יִ/ךְ1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 49:20
The children of your bereavement will say in your ears, ‘This place is too small for me. Give me a place to live in.’
This verse uniquely pairs the state of bereavement with a promise of future abundance, showing that grief is not the final word.